It had featured recently acquired big man Tyson Chandler playing a big factor on the floor in his first game with the team, which included some pivotal tapout rebounds in the final minute of the fourth quarter.

He had nine rebounds in a winning debut Wednesday against the Timberwolves, and Chandler, 36, believes he can play a big role in ensuring the Lakers get the best out of superstar James. Rather, he praised Jones for doing right by a veteran player and told ESPN he will have a spot in his front office for Jones if he ever owns an National Basketball Association franchise down the line. Leonard, who missed the last two games with a sore ankle, also added 11 rebounds for the Raptors, who have won five straight since losing to Milwaukee on October 29.Pascal Siakam scored 21 points, Serge Ibaka had 14 points and 14 rebounds, and Kyle Lowry added 16 points and eight assists for the Raptors.

"When you're homegrown from here, go to high school and all of that, and you have these same fans that have been watching (your career) and now you represent the jersey that everyone has been cheering for their entire lives, you kind of become one".

"I've been on the other side and played the villain, now it's great to be on this side".

Magic Johnson has said that Walton's job is safe for now and that he'll finish out the year as head coach (granted nothing "drastic" happens, whatever that may mean), but the addition of Chandler certainly helps his chances of having more than just this year to work for the organization.

"They're not going to give me that call", Rose said with a shrug. The Minnesota loss spoiled a superb performance from Derrick Rose who finished with 31 points.

Timberwolves: Butler converted a four-point play to tie it at 94 with 7:44 to play. "We finally put it together", said Australia's Simmons.

The Lakers next face the Sacramento Kings on Saturday and then take on the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.

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